Since 1996 this group has been involved in research on artificial surfing reefs as part of the development of New Zealand’s first artificial surfing reef at Mount Maunganui. The focus is the environmental impacts, particularly social impacts, of such reefs and the tensions and contests between different uses of coastal/marine space and recreation and tourism. The fundamental question is “What is the nature of coastal and marine recreational space(s) and how are these provided for by planning and regulatory authorities?”

Researchers:

* Hamish Rennie and colleagues
* Grant Cushman

Research includes wider aspects of recreational use of beaches, other types of reef, marine protected areas and charter boats. There are few researchers with a long term involvement in this type of research in New Zealand. While the focus at Lincoln University is on the planning, environmental management and human geography of recreational use, we work collaboratively with biophysical geographers, oceanographers, engineers and biologists at Waikato University, the Surfbreak Protection Society, and ASR Ltd as opportunities arise.

This research has provided the base for evidence presented on behalf of the Surfbreak Protection Society to the hearings of the Government’s Board of Inquiry into the Proposed New Zealand Coastal Policy Statement in October 2008. The submission resulted in substantive provisions for surfbreak protection in the final New Zealand Coastal Policy Statement released on 28 October 2010 by the Minister of Conservation.

Current research includes how to implement the NZCPS surfing policy and how to develop policies and protection for surfbreaks of regional significance for regional policy statements (Hamish Rennie, Bailey Peryman and Gisborne District Council) and on spiritual associations of surfers and scuba divers with their activity, places and environmental activism (Hamish Rennie, Grant Cushman and Carrie Moore (MNRMEE)).

Click here to link to the Lincoln University Research site, then scroll down to find the project.